Arsenal ready to beat Real Madrid to land Brazilian whizkid Wellington

20 April 2009 16:10
Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign 16-year-old Brazil star Wellington. The forward scored four goals in a youth match against Norwich during a week-long trial with the Gunners in December. And Arsenal have sent scouts to watch the youngster playing for Brazil in the South American Under 17 championship in Peru. Wellington turned out for his country on Friday when they kicked off the youth tournament with a 4-0 defeat of Paraguay on Friday, though he failed to get on the scoresheet. Despite coming through the ranks at Fluminense, he is not contracted to the club and admitted: 'I am going to make a decision regarding my future in the next few weeks and what I want to do is play in Europe.' Atletico and Real Madrid have also been tracking him, while Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with his signature, but Arsenal are understood to be his preferred destination. He would join compatriots Denilson, 21, and 19-year-old Pedro Botelho at the Emirates.

Source: Daily_Mail